"must" "have to" "may" "might" "can"
In several academic papers I see that they use "must" or "have to" and "may" "might" "can" . When is better to use one instead of another?

can you give some examples?

Thanks

Question

"must" "have to"  "may" "might" "can"
In several academic papers I see that they use "must" or "have to" and "may" "might" "can" . When is better to use one instead of another?

can you give some examples?

Thanks

Answer

Must = Have to, but Must is more formal. Both mean that the action is required. "You must eat this cheese" vs. "You have to eat this cheese".

May means that the action is allowed (or sometimes that the action is possible, like might, but more formal). "You may eat cheese if you wish", "George may come today, but I am not certain of this".

Might means that the action is possible. "I might be able to attend".

Can means that [a subject] is able to do the action. "I can attend, but I don't want to".

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!